He's said far too much positively about them mind, definitely an affinity with them. You might not give a ****, but it's just ammunition in the chamber waiting for a journalist, disgruntled fan, Newcastle fan etc. to stir up the ****. A signing like that can still work, but they have to be class from day 1.
If we could nab a player like that on a free though, surely that’s worth the gamble. Could be an absolute game changing pickup.
Sunderland AFC confirms that Pierre Ekwah has completed a permanent transfer to AS Saint-Étienne. The midfielder moves for an undisclosed fee after the Ligue 2 side triggered an option in the agreement that saw the Frenchman spend the 2024-25 season on loan at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Ekwah, 23, moved to England in 2019 and, following spells with Chelsea and West Ham United, he arrived on Wearside in January 2023. The midfielder made 61 appearances and scored five goals during his time at the Stadium of Light, which came to an end last summer. After making 29 appearances for Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1, Ekwah will now be part of Les Verts’ quest to seal an immediate return to the French top tier. Kristjaan Speakman said: “Pierre moved last summer to play regularly and continue his development. He achieved this, and although it was a challenging season for Saint-Étienne, their decision to exercise this option indicates the level of his performances. Pierre joined us without any senior experience – he believed in Sunderland, and we believed in him. We are proud of the role we have played in his career, and he is rightly held in high esteem by our supporters. We all wish him well in the next chapter of his career." All at Sunderland AFC thank Pierre for his contribution and wish him the best of luck at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
I know somebody who went out there for a few years and lived on a compound, doubled his salary AND tax-free, but I know he was counting down the days until he could come back.
Hahaha imagine the uproar from them lot up the road. Saudis paying off his contract, basically paying £25m to give us a player for free Won't happen of course, but would be the meltdown to end all meltdowns, ha
Bags of ability, really liked him but nowhere enough drive and determination. When you compare him and Hume, one has limitations but works so hard and applies himself every day, the other one is Ekwah. For the want of that drive, Ekwah isn't going to be lining up next to Xhaka and the other lads in midfield on Saturday. Shame, but he's made his own bed. Wish him well but such a waste of talent.
